Background

One of the key factors in the quest for improved national productivity is the condition of the road system.  In all countries, it is essential that goods move quickly and cost effectively from seller to buyer.  This is particularly true for development in rural areas, where low labor costs are often offset by higher transport costs. 

Objective

The objective of the economic development mission is to expose government officials and construction industry leaders in the developing country to modern road- building methods and materials used in the U.S.  Participants will be able to see how U.S. road-building companies operate and government regulations affect the industry. 

Potential benefits of this mission

This information allows participants to improve the system of roads and bridges in their country, with the objective of improving the distribution of goods within the country.  It also will open up new export opportunities.  Depending on the specific actions taken, the impact on the developing country can be substantial. 

Design principles and management covered

  • Use of existing mapping sources and references

  • Easements, tangents and super elevation

  • Balancing out and fill

  • Retaining slopes and walls

  • Sub-grade, base and pavement design

  • Bridges and sub-grade structures

  • Adjacent utilities

  • Estimating

  • Scheduling

  • Project delivery systems

  • Bidding systems

General topics to be covered include

  • Developing strategies for cost-effective transportation of goods and materials

  • Use of newer low-cost construction techniques and materials

  • Use of modern technologies

  • Improved scheduling of manpower and materials

What the economic development mission will see

The economic development mission will visit:

  • U.S. national and state departments of transportation

  • Road-building designers and construction companies

  • Manufacturers of equipment and materials for the industry

Surveying and layout topics

  • Traditional layout systems

  • Satellite global positioning systems

Earth-moving topics covered

  • Soil testing and monitoring

  • Types of equipment and selection

  • Temporary drainage control paving

Paving topics covered

  • Sub-grade preparation

  • Paving types and equipment required

  • Base courses

  • Paving operations

  • Curbs, gutters and drainage structures

  • Weather considerations

  • Curing conditions

  • Temporary traffic control

  • Lane marking and signage

  • Maintenance

 

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